Door Staining

We have been specializing in staining doors for over 20 years. This is a very specialized niche in the painting industry and requires a different set of skills and knowledge than standard painting does. 

There are many variables in the staining process which can drastically effect the outcome of your project and unlike painting any blunders are not easily fixed. 

We will guide you through the process, help you with custom color selection and explain all the nuances of the process. 

Door Staining Process

Below is an outline of how we expect our painters to handle the staining process for your doors.

DAY 1:

  • STEP 1: Arrive at the job on time.
  • STEP 2: Knock on the door and talk to the client.
  • STEP 3: Briefly explain the process and ask if they have any questions.
  • STEP 4: Begin masking where needed (around jambs, the floor below the door, and around windows).
  • STEP 5: Fill all nail holes, cracks, and large dings with Famo Wood Wood Putty. Use putty color based on the stain (walnut for dark brown, mahogany for mahogany, etc..)
  • STEP 6: Sand out all fill marks, small dings, dirt marks, and other discolorations using 150 Grit Sand Paper, then sand the entire door using180 Grit Sand Paper (inside and out).
  • STEP 7: Dust the door using a blower or foxtail brush, then wipe the door with a clean dry rag (inside/out).
  • STEP 8: Finish inside of door using two coats Water Based Polyurethane Interior Semi-Gloss.
  • STEP 9: Stain exterior of the door using Sikkens Cetol 1 Stain. Apply using a roller (3/8 NAP) and white china or ox hair bristle brush. (Make sure all the edges, tops, bottom, and panel openings are stained). Always brush with the grain and avoid creating any visible brush marks. Double-check to make sure coverage is complete and that there are no drips. (You may also use the complete roller application process).
  • STEP 10: Clean the job site, including any stain on the inside of door hardware or on concrete. Let the client know you are finished for the day and schedule a time for the next day. Ask them to look at the door and ask if they have any questions.

DAY 2:

  • STEP 1: Arrive at the job on time.
  • STEP 2: Knock on the door and talk to the client.
  • STEP 3: Show them the sample of the finish over the stain and make sure they are satisfied with the color.
  • STEP 4: Apply the first coat of finish using OX Hairbrush. Always brush with the grain and avoid creating any visible brush marks. Look at the door from different angles to make sure there are no dry spots. Always double-check for drips. Make sure to clean any finish that gets on the inside of the door. (You may also use the complete roller application process).
  • STEP 5: Clean the job site and set the door in position to dry.
  • STEP 6: Let the client know you are finished for the day, ask them to look at the door and ask if they have any questions.
  • STEP 7: Schedule a time for the next day.

DAY 3:

  • STEP 1: Arrive at the job on time.
  • STEP 2: Knock on the door and talk to the client.
  • STEP 3: Show them a sample of the 2nd coat of finish and make sure they are satisfied with the color.
  • STEP 4: Lightly sand the door with150 a grit sanding pad or220 grit sandpaper and wipe the door down with a damp cloth.
  • STEP 5: Apply Lexel (or similar) caulking to the bottom corners of all panel sections.
  • STEP 6: Apply the second coat of finish using the same procedure as the first.
  • STEP 7: Clean the job site and set the door in position to dry.
  • STEP 8: Let the client know you are finished for the day, ask them to look at the door, and ask if they have any concerns.
  • STEP 9: The client should be prepared by the office to have a check ready for you. If they are satisfied, ask the client for a check.
  • STEP 10: Ask them to fill out our Finishing Checklist. Thank them for the work and provide them with a few business cards.